Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 9
Dean criticizes “pacifism” as trying to vote in a pacifist agenda, and he calls for active, costly kingdom work—what parts of his positive vision (restorative justice, human trafficking intervention, going “to the place of danger”) feel most threatening to your comfort, safety, or reputation?
Another way to ask: Which parts of Dean’s call to costly kingdom work (like restorative justice, fighting human trafficking, or going into danger) threaten your comfort, safety, or reputation the most?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Dean’s positive vision is threatening because it moves Christians from safe, private life into costly, public obedience—entering conflict zones, confronting injustice, and risking reputation and safety to model Jesus. The transcript pushes listeners to feel that discomfort and reconsider what “nonresistance” should look like.
- He critiques passive “pacifism” as trying to “vote in some sort of pacifist political agenda.”
- He warns against enjoying comfort while others fight wars: if we’re “setting on our farms… enjoying… low oil prices… and do nothing, then it’s not right.”
- He quotes Yoder: defining discipleship only negatively is like calling marriage “non-adultery”; nonresistance should be “positive and active.”
- He describes Satler’s work: “restorative justice programs… go to the place of danger, to the place of conflict and give a Jesus example.”
- He adds other engagement: “getting involved with human trafficking.”
- He gives Bulgaria’s bishop story as the model: believers physically encircled Jews, faced machine guns, lay in front of the train—“active kingdom building non-resistance.”